“Words can be like X-rays if you use them properly – they’ll go through anything.” — Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
Kick back with a warm cup of your favorite beverage and read something new! Each is inspired by the latest weekly writing prompt. Read alongside your neighbors and friends and don’t hesitate to add supportive comments on the work that resonates with you!
House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk when I signed the contract to build a house. I was a Librarian. I was not a carpenter. I was not … Continue reading House Risk by Duane L. Herrmann
I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
I was standing on the step that says, “THIS IS NOT A STEP”, and the ladder popped out from under me. My forehead hit the … Continue reading I took a risk? When? To attain what? by Jeff Cochran
A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
I’m going to put it right out there. I’m not a big risk-taker. I’ve always played it safe, a fact my son is almost ashamed … Continue reading A Writer’s Risk by Linda Freedland
The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Skiing in the Swiss Alps is terrific fun and challenging. I was nineteen years old when my parents took our family to Davos, Switzerland to … Continue reading The Delight of Alpine Skiing by Mary Perrin Scott
Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The lake effect snowstorms that churn up over the open waters of Lake Ontario are of epic proportions. It is not uncommon to receive dumpings … Continue reading Lake Effect Snow by William Gilbert
The Book by Linda A McKenney
The clandestine handoff occurred on the grey asphalt ribbon, sandwiched between the Hudson River and the two-story brick building.“I’ve got a really cool book for … Continue reading The Book by Linda A McKenney
I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
I took a risk when I sailedover the edge of the earth.I knew that I would befree falling, tumbling about in the darknessamong the celestials,like … Continue reading I, Columbus by Edward Pontacoloni
Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
I took a risk when I decided to move from New York City to New Orleans. I was an artist, a painter with a case … Continue reading Mysteries In The Big Easy-Prologue by B.L. Miller
Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
I’m sitting in a suburban golf club bar with twenty old high school classmates. It’s Friday night of our 25th high school reunion weekend. I’ve … Continue reading Finding My Bad-Boy by Leslie Sittner
Possibility by Judith Parsley
Here was the man I thought I wanted to marry, but. . .His stories of abuse frightened me. I came from a loving home. I … Continue reading Possibility by Judith Parsley
The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
I was raised to believe I was Dutch on my father’s side. My father was raised in the Dutch Reformed Church and his family was … Continue reading The Scottish Dutchman by June Hannay Kosier
A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
I was raised to believe that around us were people with stories of struggle we would never guess. Empathy and compassion were part of every … Continue reading A Forced Reckoning by Diane Kendall Stevens
Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
Rushing out of the pool. Drenched. Wrapping towels around our waists and dropping to our knees before the television god. One o’clock. All My Children. … Continue reading Red Pistachios and All My Children by tinadebellegarde
HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
I was raised to believe in the Ticonderoga HB No. 2 (soft) Graphite Pencil. And, although I am older now, and although I have a … Continue reading HB No. 2 by Edward Pontacoloni
R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
My parents taught me many things…as parents are expected to do…. and hopefully, the right things. Among these, I was raised to believe in myself, … Continue reading R.E.S.P.E.C.T. by Linda Freedland
The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
She takes a deep drag on her Old Gold cigarette, slowly blows the blue-ish smoke out through her nose, clears her throat, pauses, says, “You’re … Continue reading The Birds and the Bees Talk by Leslie Sittner
I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
I was raised to believe that everyone is created equal. When I was a teenager, my parents encouraged me to work at a local summer … Continue reading I was raised to believe by Mary Perrin Scott
Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
I walked on water. Back in the day, my little brother thought that was the greatest thing in the world – walking on water. His … Continue reading Grounded by Lorraine Caramanna
An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
I was raised to believe that all things are possible, and anything can happen in this life we are living. It’s curious that I was … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: THE FAMILY; what they taught me by Eilene Susan Wenner
Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wood mites eatpaper under bed,cockroaches feaston companion dead,silverfish climbup the wall beside…Clothes hang to drywhipped into frenzyby wild wind,and flower openscalls in colors:“I’m here! I’m … Continue reading Can’t Sleep by Duane L. Herrmann
Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
I’ve never been one for lying awake thinking about all the things that could, should or would go wrong in the upcoming days, weeks or … Continue reading Wide Wake at 3:00 A.M. by Linda Freedland
Lullaby and Good Night by June Hannay Kosier
Unfortunately, there is nothing that keeps me up at night. I try my darndest to stay awake, but just can’t do it. I am asleep … Continue reading Lullaby and Good Night by June Hannay Kosier
Taxing Sleeplessness by Mary Perrin Scott
Sleep comes easily for meOnce my head hits the pillowI am lulled into a sweet slumberJanuary arrives in 2021Sleep jarred awake by worryTax time will … Continue reading Taxing Sleeplessness by Mary Perrin Scott
Peepers by Edward Pontacoloni
What keeps me up at night is fear that the sky is falling. That, and the hoot of the barred owl with his whocooks, whocooksforyouall … Continue reading Peepers by Edward Pontacoloni
Sparky’s Wine Bottle by William Gilbert
A psychologist on the radio said that as we grow older we tend to remember things pulled up from the deep recesses of our minds, … Continue reading Sparky’s Wine Bottle by William Gilbert
An Ordinary Life: Sleeping by Eilene Susan Wenner
The only thing that keeps me awake at night is “not breathing.” Since birth I spent most of my first year of life in the … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: Sleeping by Eilene Susan Wenner
Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow by Daniel Schiavello
Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow is a promise that may not be kept but today is forever in peace with no tears to be wept. Live … Continue reading Thoughts of Expression Tomorrow by Daniel Schiavello
What keeps me up at night is by Candice Wagener
What keeps me up at night is parenthood. Before becoming a parent, I used to sleep through the night effortlessly, sometimes sleeping as late as … Continue reading What keeps me up at night is by Candice Wagener
The bloody angle by Christopher Bruneaux
Light horse Harry Lee was a real sonofabitchhe pissed away two wives’ fortunes—but,I bet he nevershot up in the bathroom, finding the bloody angle so … Continue reading The bloody angle by Christopher Bruneaux
Lifeguard by Diane Kendall Stevens
For three summers I’d throw shorts and a t-shirt on over my tank suit, slide on sunglasses, and walk down to the YMCA in my … Continue reading Lifeguard by Diane Kendall Stevens
The Tradition of Home by Joni Youse
The tradition I carry on is the desire to go home. I’m the odd ball. The first born child. My father was fresh out of … Continue reading The Tradition of Home by Joni Youse
Snow Fever by Heather Haag
The tradition I carry on is Snow Fever. It’s more of an affliction than a tradition but many people refuse to admit it’s a problem. … Continue reading Snow Fever by Heather Haag
I Have Learned…by Duane L Herrmann
The tradition I carry on is an interest in family history. Both sides of my family carried stories of our past. On one side I … Continue reading I Have Learned…by Duane L Herrmann
Thanksgiving A Time Of Thankfulness! by Mary Perrin Scott
Thankfulness always surroundedThanksgiving celebrationsThe table set; the food preparedWe gathered young and oldOur tradition evolved aroundThe fact we had no family nearWe gathered those aloneNew … Continue reading Thanksgiving A Time Of Thankfulness! by Mary Perrin Scott
Family Fudge by Linda Freedland
My family was big on traditions, but not the “Fiddler on the Roof” kind of tradition, but the “we’ve always done it this way” kind. … Continue reading Family Fudge by Linda Freedland
Kinehora by Ellen Rocco
This is the word I say whenever I think things are going well. It’s a basic Jewish tradition to avoid tempting fate. If I hear … Continue reading Kinehora by Ellen Rocco
The Tradition I Carry On Is…by Candice Wagener
The tradition I carry on is making sure my kids understand the value and importance of good, wholesome food and where it comes from. I … Continue reading The Tradition I Carry On Is…by Candice Wagener
An Ordinary Life: The Family by Eilene Susan Wenner
The tradition I carry on is cooking and eating Pork and Sauerkraut every January 1st. I can go an entire year without eating this dinner, … Continue reading An Ordinary Life: The Family by Eilene Susan Wenner
Furlong Ago Traditionally by Edward Pontacoloni
The tradition I carry on is down south of here, about twenty or so, where the salt springs are, and Broadway too, where there’s a … Continue reading Furlong Ago Traditionally by Edward Pontacoloni
Trap Doors by Diane Kendall Stevens
I’ve seen it too many times in these rooms. Some young thing will come in a little late, usually wearing a hat down over his … Continue reading Trap Doors by Diane Kendall Stevens
The Hidden Trap Door- Historical Intrigue by Mary Perrin Scott
Five miles up Chunks Brook Road, a dirt road, in Sandgate, Vermont, sits a little white farm house. The year was 1775. Ethen Allen was … Continue reading The Hidden Trap Door- Historical Intrigue by Mary Perrin Scott
An Ordinary Life by Eilene Susan Wenner
Again, and again it goes that I have moved into a new house with all my boxes which need to be unpacked. The only difference … Continue reading An Ordinary Life by Eilene Susan Wenner
The Vindication of Mrs. Connor by June Hannay Kosier
“It feels good to finally have the closing and get started on the remodeling,” she spoke.“Remodeling a house built in the early 1800s with the … Continue reading The Vindication of Mrs. Connor by June Hannay Kosier
An Adirondack Trap Door by Edward Pontacoloni
“Well, that was the strangest thing,” he said. “It’s gonna snow,” she said. “The old hermit told me that I would find it there,” he … Continue reading An Adirondack Trap Door by Edward Pontacoloni
Hidden by Rachel Smith
Even with the gas mask, the filtered air still burned her lungs. Snippets of her father’s rhetoric jangled Charlie’s brain, a cacophony of his gravelly … Continue reading Hidden by Rachel Smith
The Yearbook by Linda Freedland
Josh had been four when the fire nearly destroyed their home. He had been fifteen when his parents announced they were divorcing, then only two … Continue reading The Yearbook by Linda Freedland
The Hidden Door by Duane L. Herrmann
I was walking in the house where I grew up. No one lived there now. It would be demolished soon. My youngest brother was going … Continue reading The Hidden Door by Duane L. Herrmann
Untitled by Dale Langlois
Again and again it goes; life to death and back to life again. Corn is planted , ripens and dies, is harvested to feed. Its … Continue reading Untitled by Dale Langlois
Baby Figure by Diane Kendall Stevens
Again and again it goes, this toddler vigilance. I turn to get a Go-Gurt out of the frig for her and she’s poking at her … Continue reading Baby Figure by Diane Kendall Stevens
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Linda Freedland
Again and again it goes…like clockwork. The creation of my annual herb pot garden. My personal Rite of Spring. During the cold and blustery March … Continue reading Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme by Linda Freedland
Again and Again by Mary Perrin Scott
Again and again it goesThe tide comes in, the tide goes outWhat is life if we never see low tide?Magical beauty lies beneath the tideBaby … Continue reading Again and Again by Mary Perrin Scott
Imagination by Sunita Halasz
Again and again it goes around… grinding, scraping, scratching, catching. The toothed gear in my mind is sticking, oh, it’s even hurting now. Oh, ow, … Continue reading Imagination by Sunita Halasz
The Bilby by Oliver Halasz
Again and again it goes “Squeak! Squeak!” The bilby is bouncing happily. The bilby is happy because she has found springy soil to bounce on. … Continue reading The Bilby by Oliver Halasz
Again and Again by Galen Halasz
Again and again it goes, the cry in my head to be emerged from the soil of then, as then, it was in the soil … Continue reading Again and Again by Galen Halasz
Again and again it goes… by Rachel E. Smith
Again and again it goes… that miniscule amount of hope I see leave her eyes. It’s a dimming of the light, the light that’s normally … Continue reading Again and again it goes… by Rachel E. Smith
NO SHIRT LIKE THIS SHIRT by Duane L. Herrmann
“DAD! YOU CAN’T!” His youngest daughter nearly screamed when she saw what he was wearing.“Why?” He asked looking bewildered at her.“It’s at least thirty years … Continue reading NO SHIRT LIKE THIS SHIRT by Duane L. Herrmann
My Favorite Sweater by Linda Freedland
While my husband and I dined out last December, a woman approached our table, then stopped. “Excuse me, but may I ask you where you … Continue reading My Favorite Sweater by Linda Freedland
The Tattered Blue Sweatshirt by Mary Perrin Scott
The pandemic has broughtrise to many memories.The year was 1963,my freshman year at Keuka College.We were given our class sweatshirts.Dark blue with a white cartoondrawn … Continue reading The Tattered Blue Sweatshirt by Mary Perrin Scott
What Lies Beneath by Bill Thomas
I’ve had this pair for ten, maybe twelve years now. Of course, I only wear ‘em when I’m out in the woods like this. But … Continue reading What Lies Beneath by Bill Thomas
Yellow Knee Socks by June Hannay Kosier
“I’m obsessed with socks. I even wear them to bed.”Odette Annabelle I have a pair of yellow knee socks which have to be over 57 … Continue reading Yellow Knee Socks by June Hannay Kosier
Ode to Sue by Anne Sterling
Sue loves holidaysShe scared the livin’ daylight out of us every Halloweensmeared with green grease paint and stooped overOf course when we bit into the … Continue reading Ode to Sue by Anne Sterling
His Name by Duane L. Herrmann
Born aristocratof princely line,His conscience, andDivine Call said:Raise the call inclusive –All mankind is one,All religions comefrom One Sources.He lost all:home, possessions, country,exiled a prisoner…for … Continue reading His Name by Duane L. Herrmann
Still Best Friends by Linda Freedland
Laurel and Hardy had nothing on usmy best friend, Ruthiethe Hardy onetall and ganglywith dark, razor straight hair and big doe-eyesand me, Laurelshort, a curly … Continue reading Still Best Friends by Linda Freedland
The Wonderful Alice by June Hannay Kosier
Everyone knows the story of Alice in Wonderland. Now I am going to tell you the story of the wonderful Alice. Alice is one of … Continue reading The Wonderful Alice by June Hannay Kosier
Ode To A Friend by Mary Perrin Scott
my friend is widowed lonelyan introvert who hung on everyword her dead husband saidtrailing behind unableto reach beyond his buoyant,effervescent personalitynow gone, she is alone … Continue reading Ode To A Friend by Mary Perrin Scott
Arthur by Linda A McKenney
Gnarled hands that cannot hold a glassA skeletal frame confining you to bedRavaged by arthritis inYour blue-striped, broadcloth pajamasA tiny girl sitsBeside your bedstead prison … Continue reading Arthur by Linda A McKenney
The Resolution by Duane L. Herrmann
“Bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called … Continue reading The Resolution by Duane L. Herrmann
January 1 by Diane Kendall Stevens
My resolution is going sideways. I promised my short story a final clean-up and send out. It’s my first-born fiction and I’ve kept it home … Continue reading January 1 by Diane Kendall Stevens
This year I’m Resolving to…by Linda Freedland
New Year’s grandiose resolutions are destined to fail. The “I will lose 75 pounds this year“ is doomed from the start. After years of trying, … Continue reading This year I’m Resolving to…by Linda Freedland
Not A Resolution Gone Wrong by Edward Pontacoloni
The way I see it, there are three types of New Year’s resolutions: the Negative Resolution, such as, “I won’t…;” the Positive Resolution, such as, … Continue reading Not A Resolution Gone Wrong by Edward Pontacoloni
Almost by Ron Lavalette
He’d never lived up to even one of his previous New Year’s resolutions. He’d never, as best he could recall, even made it as far … Continue reading Almost by Ron Lavalette
A Sacred Shrine by Duane L. Herrmann
It is a garden at the center of the world, or at least the center for pilgrims. The pilgrims come from all over the globe … Continue reading A Sacred Shrine by Duane L. Herrmann
Nick, the Storytelling Scarecrow by Diane Kendall Stevens
It all began with the pandemic mask, a black one with my husband’s university union symbols covering it. It was a print too busy for … Continue reading Nick, the Storytelling Scarecrow by Diane Kendall Stevens
Catch a Falling Star by Edward Pontacoloni
The first time that I met Abe the Azeban, it was as if waking from a dream. It was August and Skipper and I had … Continue reading Catch a Falling Star by Edward Pontacoloni
All That Cre-mains by Leslie Sittner
Darkness envelopes the quiet cemetery.I dig a divot-style hole between ancestral footstones.She’d requested to be with her parents.Still in her carved ivory urn, I pry … Continue reading All That Cre-mains by Leslie Sittner
The Better Part of Valor by Judith L. Parsley
Fortintude was known for his steadfastness, his patience, and his tenacity. He needed every bit of all three as he continued his slow ascent up … Continue reading The Better Part of Valor by Judith L. Parsley
The Grand Appearance and Disappearance by Leslie Ortega
Henrie was a mushroom and in the hoomen world (those giants that come around from time to time that come and pick or gawk at … Continue reading The Grand Appearance and Disappearance by Leslie Ortega
Who’s To Blame? by Duane L. Herrmann
“I didn’t do it!” Exclaimed Mario. “I didn’t want that to happen,” complained Septen. “What’s going on?” Demanded The Mother. “Oh! Somebody’s in trouble,” giggled … Continue reading Who’s To Blame? by Duane L. Herrmann
A Car Crash by Linda Freedland
The crash took everyone by surprise. Dozens of holiday shoppers thronged along a city sidewalk, but they halted immediately when the noise exploded from the … Continue reading A Car Crash by Linda Freedland
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! by Mary Perrin Scott
The weather reportsLots of snow on the wayI love the forecastSkis out of the basementAwaiting the arrival of snowHere it comes and lots of itCross … Continue reading Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow! by Mary Perrin Scott
The Myth of Whitehall by Edward Pontacoloni
Sparky says quite assuredly that it wasn’t Bigfoot. Generally, you can trust the word of a dog. Delilah says that it was Bigfoot. Delilah is … Continue reading The Myth of Whitehall by Edward Pontacoloni
Fear of a Cottage by Linda Freedland
When you’re in fear of being alone with your husband in a cottage in Maine, you’re in trouble. It was time for our winter venture … Continue reading Fear of a Cottage by Linda Freedland
Courage by Mary Perrin Scott
the courage stonehas made it’s roundsfrom cancer patientwith numbered daysto a family with a sonprisoned for theftto a woman with ALSand a short time to … Continue reading Courage by Mary Perrin Scott
Companion Books by Duane L. Herrmann
Books are my companions. I knew books were special from a very early age. Books held stories and stories told about things I didn’t know, … Continue reading Companion Books by Duane L. Herrmann
Helpful New Friend by Duane L. Herrmann
“I’m so sorry,” the man said as he felt his arm bump someone, then heard the whump of packages hitting the floor.“Oh!”“I hope nothing broke,” … Continue reading Helpful New Friend by Duane L. Herrmann
Collision by Diane Kendall Stevens
“Oh, so sorry!” I watch a blonde in a long, fitted coat and heels fumble with a handful of books and art greeting cards, which … Continue reading Collision by Diane Kendall Stevens
Thank You, Creepy Santa by Linda Freedland
“Hey, look where you’re going.” “I’m so sorry. Here, let me help you.” “I can get this stuff myself.” I bent down, wanting to help … Continue reading Thank You, Creepy Santa by Linda Freedland
Bam, trip, papers fly by Mary Perrin Scott
“My thesis is flying away,” she cries“Months of my research taking flight in the fierce wind. Just because of you!”“I am so sorry to have … Continue reading Bam, trip, papers fly by Mary Perrin Scott
Excusez-Moi by Edward Pontacoloni
Le Choc! “Mon Dieu! Vite, attrape-le avant qu’il ne s’échappe!” I didn’t understand what she said; but, I knew what she meant, and, after yelling … Continue reading Excusez-Moi by Edward Pontacoloni
Untitled by Diane Goullard
— Michael?— Anne?— I’m so sorry. I…Are you okay? Did I hurt you? Are your packages ok, they’re all so nicely wrapped, I hope they’re… … Continue reading Untitled by Diane Goullard
Snow Globe Revelation by Ron. Lavalette
“I’m really sorry, ma’am,” he said as he helped pick up the packages. One of the packages was leaking a puddle onto the asphalt. “Ma’am? … Continue reading Snow Globe Revelation by Ron. Lavalette
The View from our Lanai by Linda Freedland
On that humid summer morning, I’ll never forget the way the sun shimmered on the green lizards inhabiting the grounds behind our condo, which sat … Continue reading The View from our Lanai by Linda Freedland
Yangtze River Sizzle by Mary Perrin Scott
On that steamy humid morningI will never forget theThe sound of the cruise ship’s motorA China River cruise onThe longest river in the worldThe Yangtze … Continue reading Yangtze River Sizzle by Mary Perrin Scott
The Feel of Humidity by Alexander Zaborek
Oh the summer daysWhere both the views and temperatures take your breathing awayWhere friends and family come to the beach and laySomething has arrived, and … Continue reading The Feel of Humidity by Alexander Zaborek
Never Forget… What? by Duane L. Herrmann
“Do you remember,” Rafiq idly asked. “That hot, humid summer morning when Mrs. McConnely slid off the roof? I’ll never forget that afternoon.”“When the bees … Continue reading Never Forget… What? by Duane L. Herrmann
A Hot and Humid Morning by June Hannay Kosier
It wasn’t exactly summer yet according to the calendar, but it was hot and humid. It was June 9th, 1973 and it was my 24th … Continue reading A Hot and Humid Morning by June Hannay Kosier
Hip, Hip Hooray by Mary Perrin Scott
Hip, Hip HoorayThe mail arrived todayMailmen and MailwomenJim and Elizabeth and millions morePony express, trains, planes and trucksDeliver our daily mailMagazines, packages, billsLetters, baby announcements … Continue reading Hip, Hip Hooray by Mary Perrin Scott
Days of Paradise by Duane L. Herrmann
‘What a wonderful day it is,’ Agatha thought as she woke up that morning. ‘We voted for local council members in the evening and the … Continue reading Days of Paradise by Duane L. Herrmann
Thanks, But No Thanks-idays by Douglas Paul Deneen
“Grinch.” “Grouch.” “Humbug.” Burt’s been called every name found in books about holiday killjoys. His wife, kids, and in-laws all chime in. His sisters stopped … Continue reading Thanks, But No Thanks-idays by Douglas Paul Deneen
Neighborhood Help Day by Linda Freedland
“Poor Mrs. Myers, losing her husband last month. She’s all alone now.” “Mr. Bradley just lost his wife and I think she did all the … Continue reading Neighborhood Help Day by Linda Freedland
Let’s look forward to the future together
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